They enter like a Vegas nostalgia act, but these Monkees don't monkey around. Live Summer Tour captures Mickey Dolenz, Davey Jones, and Peter Tork in high spirits, still going strong 35 years after they (along with absente... more &raquoe Michael Nesmith) were assembled as TV's infamous "Prefab Four." They're backed by a solid band, but this performance proves that the Monkees were always a legitimate pop ensemble. Peter plays guitar, keyboards, and banjo with equal facility (his vocals remain charmingly average); Mickey's a decent drummer (and "Goin' Down" is still his vocal dazzler); and Davey drives the little girls (now middle-aged) into a fond teen-idol reverie. Recorded in summer 2001, this hour-long set is surprisingly polished, blending pop rockers ("She Hangs Out") with ballads ("Daydream Believer") and even a bit of Monkees psychedelia ("Randy Scouse Git"). The comedic chemistry is still there, too, making this a lively set capped by "Pleasant Valley Sunday," still the greatest song ever written about the perils of suburbia. --Jeff Shannon&laquo less

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1960s Monkees still strong in 2002

11/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Monkees are no strangers to the touring circuit. Ever since their extremely successful 20th anniversary reunion tour rolled through American arenas and stadiums in 1986 and 1987, Micky Dolenz, David Jones and Peter Tork have also performed major world tours in 1989, 1996, 1997 and finally, in 2001, which is documented on this--the first professionally released video (DVD) recording of a Monkees concert. This performance from August 2001 is polished, rocking and overall a pleasure to view. It is amazing watching these songs be performed and realizing how well they have held up after all these years. Don't believe me? Listen to the band belt out "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and "Steppin' Stone." The Monkees are truely a pop classic. This DVD is also an important Monkees historical piece as it documents the very last performance to date that Peter Tork gave with the Monkees, as he was abruptly dismissed from the band after this very concert due to internal conflicts with Dolenz and Jones over the future of the Monkees. The bonus interviews and features are a nice addition, but even more added bonuses would have been welcomed. It is ashame that the 1986 and 1987 tours were never documented like this, not to mention the 1997 shows with fellow Monkee Michael Nesmith that took place in Europe. However, "Live Summer Tour" more than does the job. Stay tuned for the live compact disc of this show to be released in the future, with different songs than what is found on this DVD."

Best moments were left out

R. Markus | 12/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The footage on this DVD is excellent, but unfortunately not aimed toward the hard-core Monkee fan. I think the producers missed the point. The Monkees made this tour mostly about those fans who have been with them for the long haul. They played the songs we'd all been dying to hear like "Shades Of Gray". The DVD only includes the group's mainstream songs which I thought was a big mistake. Also, there was almost none of the banter that goes on between the guys between songs. Those are the things we really wanted to see. I'm happy to have this DVD to jog my memory of the three times I saw this tour, but I'm dissapointed in the production overall."

Still Rockin' After All These Years

Kevin Stafford | Warwick, RI | 12/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a long time fan of The Monkees. I am so glad King Biscuit had the guts to release a Monkees DVD Live! This is without a doubt a great taste of what went on during the Monkees Final Tour. Of course and unfortunately without Micheal Nesmith. Regardless, Micky, Davy & Peter put on a musically sound show. Playing the hits and songs from the TV show. Some songs were cut. I wished they had kept in "Porpoise Song", "Listen To The Band" and" Since I Fell For You" which really shows off Mickys voice! It's too bad that Peter was fired after this show.
The DVD was filmed great and the audio is awesome! Better than the CD's sold at the last few years concerts. It captures the energy of the 3 and shows the real talent they have. Peter is fabulous on all the instruments played! Too bad Micky only plays drums on "Mary, Mary", he is one of the most underrated drummers! Davy does not just shake a tamborine, He is an acomplished guitarist and his voice is great! Every Monkees fan should own this!"

About Time

YMcCoy | Lakewood, CO | 06/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am glad they finally got most of a concert on film. My only disappointment was that it was not complete. For a more complete concert, look for the recording of the Las Vegas Concert. This DVD does not include Davy's Oliver medley or Peter's Lucille or Micky's torch song and it does not include Porpoise Song which was elegantly staged. The bonus material wasn't all that much. The DVD does capture the joyful energy of their concerts. It is still a wonderful souvenir."

What We Did Get Was Great, But...

YMcCoy | 07/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was so happy to finally get this DVD in my hands & I was not let down with what we got. The Monkees put on an EXCELLENT show & the DVD featured a lot of great shots. However, I was let down with what we didn't get. About an hour of the concert was cut out of this DVD & so many songs were missing. Luckily, pre-orders are now being taken by King Biscuit Entertainment at their official site for a limited edition extended & uncut DVD. If you liked this DVD or are considering buying it, I would recommend trying to get the uncut version. But, if they're no longer available, this DVD will do just fine."